Best 30 American Authors in 2025

As the literary world continues to evolve, numerous American authors have emerged as influential voices, contributing to diverse genres and captivating readers with their unique perspectives. This list profiles 30 authors who are making significant strides in contemporary literature, offering a blend of established and emerging voices to watch in 2025.

* Breyanna I.L. Evans

Breyanna I.L. Evans is a published author, known for her work in children's literature and poetry. She earned her bachelor's degree in creative writing and transitioned into education, teaching middle and high school English before becoming a reading intervention specialist. Evans has written several notable works, including Bound, which reflects her storytelling skills and experiences in education, and Accidentally External, a collection of poetry and short stories exploring a wide array of themes. Other works by Evans include Azure Light, Crimson Darkness and Emerald Shadow.

* Krysta Maravilla

Krysta Maravilla is known for her work in fantasy and adventure literature. Her debut novel, Spark, is part of the Of Fire and Shadows series, a work that has garnered attention for its vivid storytelling and complex characters. In addition to her writing, Maravilla is a passionate writing coach and mindset mentor. She helps aspiring authors hone their craft, guiding them through the challenges of the writing process.

* Victoria A. Witkewitz

Victoria A. Witkewitz is an American author, nicknamed the "Renaissance Writer" due to her extensive experience across various writing genres, including horror, suspense, technical writing, and poetry. She is the founder of Red Bicycle Books, an independent platform helping first-time authors develop their voices and publish their works. Witkewitz has authored nine books, including the popular Tales of Greed, Money & Horrific Circumstance series and the graphic novel Necromancy: Cast of the Dead. Her works explore deep themes such as hypocrisy, societal norms, and human nature. Through her platform, she continues to mentor new writers, fostering a more inclusive literary landscape.

* Gerald D. Johnson

Gerald D. Johnson is a self-taught author whose work centers on African-American experiences and resilience. He first gained attention with his urban fiction novel Unbreakable Bond (2013), which portrays the challenges of two teens growing up in Alabama and their commitment to defying the odds. Johnson's subsequent works, such as Alabama Sunrise and The Eye to My Storms, further explore themes of identity, community, and overcoming adversity. His upcoming projects, including The Darkest Alley series, address important issues like suicide awareness and addiction, blending personal narratives with broader societal concerns.

* Emily Henry

Emily Henry is a well-known voice in contemporary romance, known for blending humor with emotional depth in her novels. Her breakout success came with Beach Read (2020), followed by People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers, Happy Place, and Funny Story. Henry’s work has resonated with a broad audience, selling over 2.4 million copies worldwide. Her novels often explore themes of love, personal growth, and identity, with a strong emphasis on character development. Many of her works have been optioned for film adaptations.

* Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is one of the most widely-read authors in the fantasy genre. She is known for her bestselling series Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. Her works have been translated into 38 languages, and has sold over 38 million copies. Her books often feature strong female protagonists, intricate world-building, and complex plots. Maas first gained recognition when she published early drafts of Throne of Glass on FictionPress.com, where it quickly gained a loyal following. Beyond her novels, Maas has expanded into television adaptations, including a series based on A Court of Thorns and Roses.

* Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren, the combined pen name of authors Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, is well known in contemporary romance literature. The duo has published over twenty novels, including bestsellers such as The Unhoneymooners, Love and Other Words, and The Soulmate Equation. Their books are widely translated and have garnered critical acclaim for their witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and exploration of love and self-discovery. Christina Lauren’s work has been featured in major publications like Forbes, Entertainment Weekly, and The Washington Post.

* Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is a published author and baker whose debut novel, The Friend Zone (2019), became a bestseller and was recognized with an Empik award. Jimenez's other notable works include novels, such as Life's Too Short and Just for the Summer. Her works explore themes of anxiety, grief, and personal growth, drawing from her own life experiences, including her ongoing treatment for ovarian cancer. In addition to her writing career, Jimenez is the owner of Nadia Cakes, a bakery. Her unique blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and relatability has made her a prominent figure in contemporary romance literature.

* Didi Jackson

Didi Jackson is the author of two poetry collections, Moon Jar and My Infinity, which explore themes of identity, grief, and spirituality. Her work has garnered recognition for its emotional depth and lyrical quality. Jackson’s poems have been published in renowned literary journals such as The New Yorker, Kenyon Review, and American Poetry Review. She is also a professor of creative writing at Vanderbilt University, and is committed to mentoring the next generation of poets. Her work addresses the struggles of women and marginalized voices through her poetic craft.